“Success = failure + persistence + passion.”
tré armstrong
Choreographer, Founder of A New DAEI (Dance Academy for the
Entertainment Industry) Dance School.
Choreographer mama and her seven-month-old son definitely share a passion for movement. What she calls a “hilarious birth,” the former So You
Think You Can Dance Canada judge recalls back and forth treks to the
hospital this January, reflective of her son’s groove. “The second he hears
music, he’s doing the belly pop. He’s very rhythmic, so with any music or
beat, he’ll catch it.”
Dancing past doubt
“At the age of 11, I wanted to give up on life and contemplated suicide,”
Armstrong says of growing up in an abusive home. With a dream of
becoming “Canada’s first ‘Blackerina,’” she faced scrutiny from instructors
and peers before leaving dance at 17. In university, Armstrong cut the rug
and said, “This is it. I’m going to be successful.” She established her dance
academy with fellow choreographer Tonya Burke, and together, they are
driven to elevate dancers into the entertainment industry. A New DAEI
caters to all cultures by offering everything from belly dancing to hip-hop
and a class for walking in heels.
Classroom cavort
Her innovative “Davatar” trading cards promote physical fitness by educating youth about dance moves, and are distributed within the Dufferin Peel
and Toronto District School Boards across Ontario. The Youth Empowerment Tour is Armstrong’s latest choreography endeavour, where she will
host a conference about “powering youth for success.” The project includes
an online “iAM” campaign, which encourages celebrities and students of
all ages to post a video that captures their potential.
Advising novice dancers
Armstrong believes that life is about decisions, even when we fail. She
encourages her pupils to “choose not to lose.”
www.anewdaei.com
www.trearmstrong.com
Hugo Boss suit & shoes
Rachel by Rachel Roy shirt
Rita Tesolin bracelet and ring